The defensive end out of Missouri was the 60th overall selection of the 2014 draft. He posted 9 1/2 sacks and 14 1/2 tackles for loss in his junior season before declaring for the draft.

"We had a first-round value on Kony Ealy. He's got a lot of potential," said Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman. "You cannot have too many pass rushers. You can't. It's impossible."

Ealy is the fourth player that Carolina has signed from its draft class. He follows safety Tre Boston (fourth round), cornerback Bene Benwikere (fifth round) and running back Tyler Gaffney (sixth round).